Burn After Cheating

Verona Montero #3

by Kayleigh Suggett, Carlotta Brentan (Narrator)

A locked room.

An obvious suspect.

Absolutely nothing adds up.

It’s Verona Montero's favorite kind of sh*tshow.

Harry Kim died in a locked apartment. No signs of forced entry, windows too small to fit a well-fed Chihuahua. Clean scene. The cops call it an accident. But Verona's best friend Runi isn't buying it—and once Verona starts snooping around, neither is she.

Choir boys like Harry always have the dirtiest secrets. And when the tune of his squeaky-clean life turns out to be less Hallelujah and more Highway to Hell, this “accident” starts looking a lot like murder.

Plus, Harry’s stalker ex-girlfriend Ashlyn had been leaving dead animals on doorsteps and threatening anyone Harry dated. Verona wouldn’t be surprised to find a “Honk If You Love Sociopaths” sticker on her serial-killer-looking van.

The impossible murder? Solvable. Hot divorce lawyer Quentin shadowing her stakeouts instead of going home to his girlfriend? Deliciously problematic.

Still, Verona's got a killer to catch. Too bad for this killer—she’s the kind of private dick who doesn't take “accidental” for an answer.

Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum and Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan—sharp mystery, sexual tension, and a foul-mouthed PI who won't back down.

Audible Audio

Published November 3, 2026

About the author

Kayleigh Suggett writes the kind of mysteries she couldn't find on the shelf: the ones where the detective is a "private dick" (mostly because she likes the pun), the humor is unapologetically crass, and the plot moves faster than a billionaire fleeing a crime scene.

Her books have been described as “full of intriguing twists and turns” by the Library Journal, and Booklist promises they will “keep readers on their toes.” Her years in customer service have given her first-hand experience in the oddities of human behaviour, helping her to create “a vibrant cast of characters” (Kirkus Reviews).

When she isn’t coming up with a perfectly snide simile or chasing killers through the rainy pubs of Ireland, Kayleigh is a wedding singer, a choir nerd, and a frustrated solver of NYT crosswords. She lives in Calgary, AB, with her husband and son, where she remains a proud member of the Crime Writers of Canada.

Reviews

[KELLY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verona Monteroa is back, investigating the murder of Harry Kim, who was found dead in a locked apartment. Harry had an obsessive ex, a seemingly perfect life, and a growing list of questions make this a fun little whodunit. Meanwhile, Verona’s flirtatious exchanges with hot divorce lawyer add another layer of romantic drama. This woman has plenty to keep her busy!

This is an adult audiobook. I Loved her humor, cheeky dialogue, and Verona’s no-filter personality. This is a comedic mystery that doesn't take itself too seriously, blending murder, mayhem, flirtation, and laugh-out-loud moments into one entertaining audiobook.

You can absolutely listen to this as a standalone, but if you enjoy Verona as much as I do, you'll want to check out the rest of the series.
And now I'm already looking forward to Book 4!

Read & Listen on release date 11 / 03 /2026 for an enjoyable funny day.

Thank you Netgalley and RBMedia for the Audiobook.

[Aleisha McKinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Thank you to Severn River Publishing for a copy of this ARC*

I loved everything about this whodunit. Quippy, funny, and kept me guessing!

The footnotes were a fun touch, I love the personality it adds!

[Lisa Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Verona Montero series, but I haven’t read the first two and this read easily as a standalone. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, since it came with a warning about “strong profanity and adult humor”, but I really enjoyed it. It was the perfect mix of a whodunnit and a romcom, and Verona is not only a fantastic private investigator, but she’s also hysterical. I really loved the occasional chapter from Quentin’s point of view as her lawyer/love interest, and the footnotes each chapter from the author were really fun little asides. I definitely learned a few sayings that weren’t in my vocabulary before. 😂 4 ⭐️

[Chloë · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

A darkly funny PI mystery for readers who enjoy -
🔍A vibrant cast of characters
🔍Sharp, fast-paced comedic mysteries
🔍A foul mouthed PI who won’t back down
🔍Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum and Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan

⭑ Publication Date: 3rd November 2026
⭑ Available In: Audiobook, eBook and Paperback
⭑ Series: Book 3, Verona Montero
⭑ Always remember to check content and trigger warnings before reading.


~ review ~

This is the third book in the Verona Montero series and as someone who hasn’t read the previous two, I can confirm that Burn After Cheating can easily be read as a standalone. Although characters and relationships are already developed, Kayleigh Suggett has included enough background information to ensure that if you’re picking this book up as an introduction to the series, you won’t find yourself feeling lost or confused.

This is a fun mix of a whodunnit mystery, dark comedy and romance. The satire, wit and sarcasm that runs from start to end is top notch and the characters are quite the bunch! Verona dances boldly to the beat of her own drum and once she sets her mind to something, there’s no changing it! Despite the fact this is about an ‘unexplained death’ (no spoilers here!) nothing ever felt heavy or too intense which I really enjoyed. Things moved at a great pace and aside from my thoughts on the overkill nature of certain aspects, I don’t really have any other complaints!

Take heed of the ‘foul mouthed’ descriptor as Verona Montero certainly has a way with words! There’s a lot of swearing, coarse humour and suggestive/forward thinking. While I did find myself laughing throughout, it did reach a point where things got a bit repetitive and the language and thoughts felt like overkill. I lost count of how many times the word ‘dick’ was used and for all of the flirting, sexual thoughts and lusting over Quentin, it doesn’t actually materialise into anything!

Burn After Cheating was an easy, fun, pleasurable comedic escape that definitely doesn’t take itself too seriously! The characters are memorable, the mystery kept me locked in and Verona herself is very… unique shall we say! I’m definitely going to be adding the first 2 books from the series to my TBR.

Thank you to Severn River Publishing for providing me with this ARC. This is my honest opinion and I’m sharing it voluntarily❣️

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burn After Cheating finds Verona Montero, private eye, looking into the death of Harry Kim who was found in a locked apartment, which was at first thought to be accidental. By all accounts, Harry was a good guy, who would want him dead? His ex-girlfriend, Ashlyn, who has been stalking him?

Verona is such a blast to spend time with. She makes no excuses for herself, does things her way, throw out the book. Her inner monologues will have you laughing. Her flirtatious exchanges with Quentin, a divorce lawyer, that Verona has feelings for (see first book, Alibi by Accident, to get the background), but leave her somewhat confused, what about his live-in girlfriend, add some romantic tension.

Kayleigh Suggett has written an enjoyable read with the right blend of comedy, witty banter, mystery, and filled with quirky characters. The plot moves at a brisk pace and keeps the reader turning the pages. The footnotes were a clever addition. Quentin’s point of view was fun to read.

This can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading the previous books, they are a lot of fun and provide the full backstory of Verona, Quentin, and Runi. I can’t wait for Verona’s next case!

Thank you to the publisher, Severn River Publishing, for an ARC. The opinions in this review are my own.

[Cindy · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

Verona Montero is a very, very horny "private dick" (her words) who occasionally solves murders. Her best friend asks her to investigate a death the police have ruled accidental...so her mother will stop calling her twice a day. If that's not reason enough, her crush, Quentin, a divorce lawyer, wants to accompany her on a stakeout (because, why not?). So there's a locked-room mystery and a sociopath on the loose, and all Verona can think about is how far the seats recline in her car for sex. But to be clear, this book is about lusting for sex, with no actual sex. The clues take Verona down different paths until she finally puts it all together. There's some snappy dialogue and lots of flirting amid the detecting. The well-narrated audiobook is interesting but frustrating. But no one, apparently, is more frustrated than Verona. I think the book would have been better with less longing and some doing.
My thanks to the author, @RBMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook for review purposes. Publication date: 3 November 2026.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

A PI with an attitude and a mouth to match.

This is not Verona Montero’s type of case. Everything about the death points to suicide: locked door, no way to get in the windows, nothing missing. If not for Runi’s insistence that it was murder, she would not have taken it. The more she dug, the more Verona was convinced Runi was right. Harry seemed like the clean-cut boy next door, but there was some scary stuff going on behind the curtains. Now she just needs to figure out where all the pieces to this puzzle go to catch a killer.

Verona is a good noir detective wanna-be. She definitely has the attitude. The storyline is interesting and kept me guessing. Love Runi’s mom. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Verona Montero likes to be called a Private Dick. She is a Private Investigator whose main work is following cheating spouses. Her favorite type of case is a locked room mystery, an obvious suspect and then with the help of her best friend Runi they solve cases in their own madcap way. There is of course a hot lawyer that feeds her cases and sometimes joins her on stake outs. One complication is that he has a girlfriend at home. Kayleigh writes a madcap,fun, private eye cases with characters that will keep you laughing. If you like Elle Cosimano's Finley Donovan you will love this madcap thrill ride of a book! I did receive a free ARC copy of this book from Severn Publishing and my thoughts are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Harry was found dead last week” Runi let the statement sit like the first dragging throb of a stress headache.
“I’m sorry. But what has that got to do with me?” (Verona)
“You solve murders now, don’t you? Runi leaned back and folded her arms, giving Verona the stare she reserved to warn her the any push back would be met with sass.”

Harry Kim is found dead in a locked apartment. Police call it an accident, but Runi suspects murder—and Verona soon agrees. Settle in for a fast-paced mystery as Verona works through a growing list of suspects.

I received an advance copy from Severn River Publishing and recommend starting with the first book for fuller characters context.

[Julie Wakefield · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

*Thank you to Severn River Publishing for a copy of this ARC*

This is the first from this author that I have listened to. I did feel there were a few gaps in the character, but nothing that I couldn't get past to enjoy the story.

I requested it based on the description of being similar to Stephanie Plum and Finlay Donovan but I did not see many parallels. There were some F-Bombs, but nothing that turned me off. If a listener were unaware of this with the character, it would be a surprise.

The private eye provides a combination of humor and problem-solving while trying to solve Harry's murder.

[Michelle Dutch · Rating 2.75 out of 5]

First time reading this author, and I do suggest you go back to books one and two and then catch to this new chapter in Verona, who calls herself a "private dick." Several comments are tongue in cheek, and other orifices but at times a little difficult to follow all the characters without a roadmap. Verona has several "love" interests except for the one she really wants but shouldn't have the naughty Quentin. The twists and turns are truly well plotted, the characters interesting and compelling. Thw footnotes are a little disconcerting, only because I haven't done footnotes since 8th grade. All in a great little read. But I would go back and pick up one and two first.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read the previous books in the series but that did impair my understanding of Burn After Cheating. It's an easy and fun read but beware if you are opposed to foul language and sex scenes this may not be a book for you. A man is found dead in a closed apartment, apparently he lead a double life, had a stalker, was going to propose to his boyfriend and had a girlfriend. Too much right?! Verona is asked to discover the truth as the police is getting nowhere and she'll deal with all the challenges that will be placed her way. She'll also discover that she does not want to be a number 2 in any relationship. Engaging and entertaining!
I thank the author and her publisher for this ARC.

[Meredith Vaughn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Special thanks to RBMedia and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this audiobook. I have to admit that this audiobook was painful to get through because of the narrator/reader. I found her slight Italian accent extremely distracting. The reader took me out of the storyline several times. I also found this book unnecessary sexual, for example when she mentions several times about the wetness between her thighs?? It felt so out of place. This book was trying to be funny and provocative but just missed the mark.

[Farah G · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

When Harry Kim dies in a locked apartment, the police decide that it must be an accident - even if he does have a stalkerish girlfriend who has been leaving dead animals on his doorstep...

But Verona Montero's friend believes otherwise, so once again she is on the case! This is an entertaining and light hearted locked room mystery that provides plenty of entertainment, and the narrator does a good job on the audiobook. It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a standalone, but there are two prior books in this series. It reads quite easily as a standalone, with the author making many references to their prior books. The author uses footnotes to reference these prior books or make asides to the story, and I’m not a fan of this in fiction, but I did enjoy the story. The writing was accessible, the characters were quick witted, and I was interested in the outcome of the mystery.

My thanks to the publisher for this ARC.

[Mariah Chadwick · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

Well, I had a REALLY good time with this one. I was hooked, thoroughly entertained, and absolutely here for the chaos. The drama, the tension, and the deliciously messy moments made this such an enjoyable read. Sometimes you just need a book that pulls you in, keeps you turning pages, and reminds you why you love reading in the first place.

Definitely a good time, and I’m so glad I picked this one up. No regrets, just another book added to my ever-growing pile of favorites. 🖤

[Jacob Johnson · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

This was a fun book. I had no idea whether there were any prior books to this in a series or not, but it didn't turn out to matter. I connected with the characters quickly and the pacing of the book was just right. The plot was entertaining and left me wondering who the killer was right up until near the end. I recommend this book to anybody who wants to read or listen, as I was able to experience the audiobook version. The narrator also did a very good job of portraying the novel.

[Jessika · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun but crude humor read. The adult humor warning is very accurate. This book, however, is hilarious. The private detective seems to have a chip on her shoulder, but in a funny way. Was it Ashlynn? Was it Harry? Was it even murder? Read to find out. This is a third book in this series, but I did not read the first two, and this was fine as a standalone.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Vero Montero series, and my favorite so far. Vero is a brave, determined, and unorthodox private investigator who pursues her cases with persistence and passion. When a close friend asks her to investigate the death of a man who appears to be universally loved, Vera takes it on and discovers that everyone has secrets they’re determined to hide. I love Vera’s character – her heart of gold, high sense of morality, her kickass attitude, and her unrequited (?) crush on already taken/hot lawyer Quentin. A few chapters are done from Quentin’s point of view which gives dimension to the story. We get to know Vero’s intriguing best friend Rumi a bit better in this one as well. Looking forward to the next installment!

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one is definitely not for me.
Snarky. Sarcastic. Rude at times…
And the MFC MUST use the word ‘dick’ in EVERY SINGLE SENTENCE that she speaks?!
I mean seriously, what are we twelve?

I’m DNF’ing this one at 83%. I tried. I really did. But, I just can’t read another paragraph.

Thanks for the ARC #NetGalley and @RBMedia.

Burn After Cheating….

[M.J. Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Burn After Cheating is another book in Kayleigh’s R-rated series on private detective Verona Montero. Like the other two books in this series, it contains foul language and sexual references. Included in this third book is an encounter with a Korean immigrant and a Molotov cocktail thrown into a minivan. This book, like the other two books in this series, is for mature readers.

[Dick Montgomery · Rating 4.75 out of 5]

If you're not offended by dirty talk and puns or if, like me you actually look forward to them, this is your book. The victim is murdered in a locked apartment with tiny windows and originally called an accidental death. The fun starts from there.

[Cindy Shingledecker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book keeps you guessing from the very first page.
It did not go where I thought. I did enjoy reading it.